Manchester United Injuries Rife At Centre-Back

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Victor Lindelof of Manchester United walks off after the Carabao Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 07, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Bad Timing

This pile of Manchester United injuries at centre-back could not have come at a worse time for United. The Red Devils have an incredible amount of fixture congestion in the next few weeks. Within three weeks, Manchester United will play a total of six games. These are not easy games either, with upcoming fixtures including trips to Anfield and the Etihad, along with playing Wolves twice in two different competitions at home.

Who Will Play on Saturday?

Chris Smalling is on loan at the moment, and there have been rumours that the Reds may recall him. This, however, will not be the case as Smalling’s loan deal does not give United the ability to recall him early. This may seem like another blow for United. However, it would not make sense to recall someone from such a successful loan spell.

Jones is the only conventional centre-half other than Victor Lindelof who may be available on Saturday. However, if the Englishman is not fit by then, it seems thatNemanja Matic will start alongside the Swedish international. Manchester United have already beaten Norwich 3-1 away this season, meaning they will be glad their injury crisis has seemingly reached its peak ahead of the reverse fixture. Having said that, there isn’t a good time for an injury crisis, and an upset is always on the table.